Clothing

ABSTRACT

A garment includes a crotch part and leg parts at least partially covering the femoral regions, is to be worn fitted on a body of a wearer, and includes an easily stretchable portion that is stretched relatively easily and a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion. As part of the easily stretchable portion, the garment includes easily stretchable portions (A) each of which has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment, covers a region along and in the vicinity of musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of the femoral region, and is stretchable substantially in a width direction thereof. This garment is useful as a garment that includes a crotch part and leg parts at least partially covering the femoral regions and is to be worn fitted on a body of a wearer, that does not lose shape, and maintains the shaping function for keeping the body in shape.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment that includes a crotch part and leg parts covering at least parts of the femoral regions and that is to be worn fitted on a body of a wearer. The present invention particularly relates to a garment that does not lose shape through long wear and maintains its shaping function.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, girdles, spats, athletic tights, a pantyhose, and the like are known as garments each of which has a crotch part and leg parts covering at least parts of the femoral regions and is to be worn fitted on a body of a wearer.

[0003] These garments are generally made of knitted fabrics having stretchability. Additionally, in the case of a girdle, for instance, a strengthening piece for pressing an abdomen is laminated on the fabric of a center abdomen portion so as to impart to the girdle a shaping function for suppressing the swelling of the abdomen and beautifully adjusting the line of the abdomen. A strengthening piece for keeping the hips in a high position is laminated on the fabric of a region ranging from a lower part of the hips to the sides so that the girdle has a hip-up support function.

[0004] However, such a garment worn in the state of being fitted onto the wearer's body has a problem that the garment tends to lose shape through the wearer's daily activity, particularly through the legs' motions (raising the leg, bending the knee, etc.), and actions such as the movement from the sitting position to the standing position and the movement from the crouching position to the standing position. For instance, in the case of a long-type or standard-type girdle as a typical example of a garment in which leg parts of the garment cover at least parts of the femoral regions and that is to be worn fitted on a body of a wearer, it is observed that actions of the legs as described above cause the anterior hems to slide up, the posterior waist part to slide down, and the rear hems to slide up.

[0005] Therefore, it is considered that if the whole garment is formed with an easily stretchable material that is stretched relatively more easily than a the conventional material, the degree to which the garment loses its shape can be reduced since the material is stretched more easily according to the motions of a human body. However, in the case where the whole garment is made of an easily stretchable material, sufficient strength is not imparted for supporting parts of a human body as required so as to perform its shaping function, which raises a problem in that the garment has no figure control function and poor shaping function. Further, the garment lacks a function of suppressing the fine skin motions of a part of the garment that makes relatively small motions. Therefore, in such a part of the garment, creases tend to increase. There also arises a problem that the garment loses its shape easily since it stretches too easily.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve these problems and to provide a garment that includes a crotch part and leg parts covering at least parts of the femoral regions, that is to be worn fitted on a body of a wearer, that does not lose shape through long wear, and that maintains the shaping function.

[0007] The inventors investigated the garment such as a girdle concerning why and how the garment loses its shape, particularly focusing on three-dimensional configurational changes in a lower half part of a human body that occur according to motions of the human body, particularly during an action of raising the legs, that is, an action repeated most frequently in daily life (actions such as walking or climbing the stairs also involve actions of raising the legs: this action hereinafter sometimes is referred to simply as “action”).

[0008] As a result, it was found that the phenomenon of losing shape as described above occurs in the following manner. The foregoing action changes the states of the muscles of the legs, or changes an angle at which the leg is joined with the torso around the trochanter major (a protuberant part of the os femoris on an upper-end lateral portion thereof) as an axis, which changes the three-dimensional configuration of the human body. The girdle is going to follow the changes, but since the girdle is in a fixed state at a crotch part or the like, the girdle, following the three-dimensional configurational changes in the body, consequently undergoes displacements as described above. The displacements, once caused, are not corrected even if the body returns to the posture before the action and causes the configuration thereof to return to that before the action, since there is no force on the girdle that would pull the girdle in a direction such that the hems thereof are caused to slide down or the posterior waist part thereof is caused to slide up.

[0009] More specifically, when the leg is bent, the musculus rectus femoris protrudes on an anterior side of the body, while other muscles, such as the musculus adductor longus, the musculus adductor magnus, and the musculus biceps femoris, retract. Accordingly, a cross-sectional shape of the leg makes a transition from a substantially circular figure to an oval figure, with an anterior part swelling and with a part ranging from the medial side to the posterior side retracting. More specifically, as illustrated by FIGS. 19A and 19B that are schematic cross-sectional views of the femoral region on the right side of the body at about the midpoint position in the lengthwise direction thereof, the femoral region has a change in shape such that a schematic cross-sectional shape thereof at about the midpoint position in the lengthwise direction makes a transition from a cross-sectional shape of the femoral region in an erect standing posture (before raising the leg) shown in FIG. 19A to a cross-sectional shape of the femoral region in a leg-raising position shown in FIG. 19B. As clear from FIG. 19B, it is observed that an anterior side of the femoral region, particularly a portion 20 in which the musculus rectus femoris is present, juts out widely on the anterior side of the body. It should be noted that in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the upper side of the drawing corresponds to the anterior side of the body, while the lower side of the drawing corresponds to the posterior side of the body.

[0010] Thus, the femoral region swells in a manner such that an anterior portion of the cross section expands, thereby having an increased span in the portion, and a leg anterior portion of the girdle is pulled in a transversal direction. When the fabric is pulled in the transversal direction, the fabric shrinks in a longitudinal direction at the same time, which causes the anterior hems to slide up.

[0011] Further, focusing on a part of the human body on the posterior side of the girdle, when the leg is bent during the foregoing action from the erect standing position (a posture in which the wearer stands upright) to the leg-raising position, at a base part thereof where the leg is joined with the torso (in the vicinity of the trochanter major), an angle formed between the torso and the leg (the position relationship therebetween) changes due to the foregoing action of the leg around the trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the action of the leg causes the posterior side of the girdle to be shaped into a “<” shape, with the upper and lower hem of the posterior part of the girdle being pulled toward the crotch part. This causes the waist part on the posterior side to slide down and causes the posterior hem to slide up. Therefore, the girdle loses its shape.

[0012] Further, the foregoing action of the leg causes the torso and the base part of the leg to be folded like a hinge around the sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle formed therebetween. With such a change in the three-dimensional shape, the skin necessarily is stretched greatly in the region from the sulcus gluteus to the waist on the posterior side of the body, particularly the region from slightly above the sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end of the musculus gluteus maximus.

[0013] More specifically, a girdle that loses its shape as described above exhibits phenomena described in more detail below, in a case of a conventional ordinary girdle as an example. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a hem 121 of a girdle 120 is pulled up in a direction indicated by an arrow 122, thereby sliding upward, which causes the wearer to feel tight in the anterior femoral region. Further, on the anterior side, the garment base fabric, thus partially sliding up, forms creases 123, thereby being gathered in the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis. At the same time on the posterior side, the garment base fabric, thus partially sliding up, forms creases 124, thereby digging into the sulcus gluteus. A waist portion 125 of the girdle slides down in a direction indicated by an arrow 126. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a conventional ordinary girdle viewed from an anterior side thereof, and FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the girdle of FIG. 17 viewed from the posterior side.

[0014] Considering the problems concerning the girdle when it loses its shape, the inventors designed a garment that would solve these problems as much as possible, and would possess a shaping function for supporting the human body so as to keep the body in shape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] To achieve the above described object, the present invention is intended to provide a garment, as described below, which includes a crotch part and leg parts covering at least parts of the femoral regions and that is to be worn fitted on a body of a wearer.

[0016] (1) A garment that includes a crotch part and leg parts covering at least parts of the femoral regions, that is to be worn in a state of being fitted on a body of a wearer, and that includes an easily stretchable portion that is stretched relatively easily, and a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion. The garment includes, as part of the easily stretchable portion, an easily stretchable portion (A) that has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment, that covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, and that is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof.

[0017] (2) The garment according to the item (1) above, further including, as part of the easily stretchable portion, an easily stretchable portion (B) that covers a region of the body along the sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment.

[0018] (3) The garment according to the item (1) or (2) above, further including, as part of the easily stretchable portion, an easily stretchable portion (C) that, in a posterior side of the garment, covers a region of the body at least on a superior side to a certain position between the sulcus gluteus and a bulge of hip, and that is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment.

[0019] (4) The garment according to any one of the item (1) to (3) above, wherein the easily stretchable portion (A) has a center position in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part.

[0020] (5) The garment according to any one of the item (1) to (4) above, further including, in each leg part, an easily stretchable portion (A-1) that is arranged substantially in parallel with the easily stretchable portion (A), that has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, and that is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof.

[0021] (6) The garment according to any one of the items (1) to (5), wherein the garment base is formed with an easily stretchable fabric, and a fabric is laminated on an exterior side and/or on an interior side of a portion of the easily stretchable fabric that is to be made less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion, so that the laminated portion constitutes the less stretchable portion, while the other portion constitutes the easily stretchable portion.

[0022] (7) The garment according to any one of the items (1) to (5) above, wherein the easily stretchable portion is formed with an easily stretchable fabric, the less stretchable portion is formed with a fabric that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable fabric, and the easily stretchable fabric and the less stretchable fabric are seamed so as to form the garment.

[0023] (8) The garment according to any one of the items (1) to (5) above, wherein the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are formed by knitting so that the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are knitted differently by varying knitting stitch.

[0024] (9) The garment according to any one of the items (1) to (5) above, wherein the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are formed by jacquard knitting so that the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are knitted differently into patterns by varying knitting stitch of the jacquard knitting.

[0025] (10) The garment according to any one of the items (1) to (5) above, wherein the garment base is formed with an easily stretchable fabric, and a portion of the easily stretchable fabric that is to be made less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion is treated with a resin so that the resin-treated portion constitutes the less stretchable portion, while the other portion constitutes the easily stretchable portion.

[0026] (11) The garment according to any one of the items (1) to (10) above, wherein the easily stretchable portion (A) has a width of approximately 3 cm to 8 cm.

[0027] (12) The garment according to any one of the items (5) to (10) above, wherein a sum of a width of the easily stretchable portion (A) and a width of the easily stretchable portion (A-1) is approximately 3 cm to 8 cm.

[0028] (13) The garment according to any one of the items (2) to (12) above, wherein the easily stretchable portion (B) has a width of approximately 1 cm to 10 cm.

[0029] (14) The garment according to any one of the items (3) to (13) above, wherein, in a posterior side of the garment, the easily stretchable portion (C) covers a region of the body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end of the musculus gluteus maximus.

[0030] (15) The garment according to the items (1) to (14), wherein a fabric composing the garment is a knitted fabric selected from a two-way stretch tricot knitted fabric and a stretch raschel knitted fabric.

[0031] (16) The garment according to the items (1) to (15), wherein the garment is a garment selected from a girdle, spats, athletic tights, and a pantyhose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle as a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side of the same.

[0033]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the girdle shown in FIG. 1, viewed from the posterior side thereof.

[0034]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a standard-type girdle viewed from the anterior side thereof.

[0035]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the girdle shown in FIG. 3, viewed from the posterior side thereof.

[0036]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle according to another embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof.

[0037]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle according to still another embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof.

[0038]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle according to still another embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof.

[0039]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the girdle shown in FIG. 7, viewed from the posterior side thereof.

[0040]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle according to still another embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof.

[0041]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of athletic tights according to an embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof.

[0042]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the athletic tights shown in FIG. 10, viewed from the posterior side thereof.

[0043]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a semi-long-type girdle as a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof.

[0044]FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating athletic tights according to another embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof.

[0045]FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a long-type girdle according to still another embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof.

[0046]FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a girdle shown in FIG. 14, viewed from the posterior side thereof.

[0047]FIG. 16 is a plan view of a fabric before cutting, from which a piece for forming a part of the girdle shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 to cover mainly from the posterior to anterior lateral side to the leg is to be obtained, which corresponds to a left-side half of the human body.

[0048]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a conventional ordinary girdle viewed from the anterior side thereof.

[0049]FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating the girdle shown in FIG. 17, viewed from the posterior side thereof.

[0050]FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the femoral region on the right side of the human body at about the midpoint position in the lengthwise direction thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] The following will describe specific embodiments of the present invention while referring to the drawings, though the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments.

[0052] Further, an expression of “in the vicinity of”, which is used herein for describing a position on the garment where an easily stretchable portion is arranged, implies that if the part is displaced slightly from a certain designated position, the displacement is tolerated as long as it is within a range such that the object of the present invention is achieved. Since a shape and size of a human body and positions of muscles thereof are slightly different from one individual body to another, even if a position on the garment at which an easily stretchable portion is arranged is displaced slightly from a certain designated position, the displacement is tolerated as long as it is within a range such that the object of the present invention is achieved.

[0053] It should be noted that among an “easily stretchable portion” and a “less stretchable portion” in the present invention, the “easily-stretchable portion” indicates a part having a stretchability such that the part can be stretched easily in response to a relatively weak stress. The “less stretchable portion” indicates a part that needs the application of a greater stress than the stress applied to the easily stretchable portion in order to be stretched at the same ratio as that of the easily stretchable portion, or a part that is a non-stretchable portion.

[0054] Further, an expression of “substantially band-like shape” implies that examples of a substantially band-like shape include not only a band-like shape having a uniform width through its lengthwise direction but also a band-like shape having a width that varies in its lengthwise direction, and not only a band-like shape which is straight in its lengthwise direction but also a band-like shape which is curved. Further, the examples of the band-like shape include an elliptic shape, a shape like a cross section of a convex lens, and a shape like a cross section of a concave lens. In other words, it implies that any shape is applicable as long as it has a length greater than a width thereof.

[0055] Further, an expression of “substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment” implies that a tilt, if any, at an angle in a range of ± approximately 40° from a strictly-defined longitudinal direction of the garment may be tolerated as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.

[0056] Still further, an expression of “substantially in the width direction” implies that a tilt, if any, at an angle in a range of ± approximately 40° from a strictly-defined width direction of the garment may be tolerated as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.

[0057] Still further, an expression of “a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment” implies that the band-like shape has a lengthwise direction directed substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment.

[0058] Still further, “at least” of the expression of “easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof” implies that as long as it is easily stretchable substantially in the width direction, the stretchability in a direction perpendicular to the width direction is optional.

[0059] Still further, “at least” of the expression of “easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment” implies that as long as it is easily stretchable substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, the stretchability in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the garment is optional.

[0060]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle as a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side of the same, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the girdle shown in FIG. 1, viewed from the posterior side thereof.

[0061] The girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes easily stretchable portions (A)1, easily stretchable portions (B)2, and an easily stretchable portion (C)3. Each of the easily stretchable portions (A)1 covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof. Each of the easily stretchable portions (B)2 covers a region of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. The easily stretchable portion (C)3, in a posterior side of the garment, covers a region of the body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. Here, 4 denotes a position of the sulcus gluteus of in the human body, and 5 denotes a top position of a bulge of hip. The portion other than those described above is formed with a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions. More specifically, a girdle base shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is formed with a two-way tricot fabric that is easily stretchable in both of longitudinal and transversal directions of the girdle, and a two-way power net that is more resistant to stretching stress, that is, less stretchable than the foregoing two-way tricot fabric, is laminated and attached by sewing on an interior side of the entire girdle base except for the easily stretchable portions 1, 2, and 3. Thus, in the case where the garment base is formed with an easily stretchable fabric and another fabric is laminated on an exterior and/or interior side of a portion of the garment base that has to be less stretchable than the easily stretchable fabric so as to form an easily stretchable portion and a less stretchable portion, the fabric to be laminated on the garment base may be a fabric having the same stretchability as that of the easily stretchable portion. The laminated portion may be formed so as to be less stretchable than the non-laminated portion, that is, the easily stretchable portion. In other words, by laminating a certain fabric, the laminated portion has a smaller stretchability than that of the non-laminated portion. Therefore, the fabric to be laminated on the garment base may be a fabric having a greater stretchability than that of the easily stretchable portion, a fabric having the same stretchability as that, a stretchable fabric that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion, or a non-stretchable fabric. The selection from these may be carried out appropriately according to the type of the garment, the location at which the fabric is laminated, the required shaping degree, etc. It should be noted that, however, if the less stretchable portion has an excessive stretchability, it is likely that the function of preventing the garment from losing shape and the shaping function cannot be performed sufficiently.

[0062] Thus, the long-type girdle obtained has the easily stretchable portions (A)1 each of which is easily stretchable at least substantially in the width direction (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction, following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent the leg part of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the anterior hem thereof. Further, the present girdle has the easily stretchable portions (B)2 easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions) in a region that covers a portion of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis. When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action causes the leg and the torso to be folded in a “<” shape, like a hinge, around the sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the wearer lowers the leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such an action causes the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis to be stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily stretchable portion (B)2 sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch and shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing feeling.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the girdle further includes, on its posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes the torso and the leg to be folded in a “<” shape, changing an angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the leg causes the upper and lower hem of the girdle on the posterior side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent the waist part of the girdle from being pulled down (toward the crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of the girdle from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and sliding up.

[0064] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily stretchable portions (A)1, (B)2, and (C)3 is less stretchable than these easily stretchable portions, the girdle is configured so that an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion 8 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the legs beautifully. Further, since a portion 10 between the sulcus gluteus 4 and the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions, this portion performs the hip-up support function. Therefore, the girdle also has a function for controlling the shape of the hips beautifully.

[0065] Next, FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a standard-type girdle (standard length) as a garment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a standard-type girdle viewed from the anterior side of the same, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the girdle shown in FIG. 3, viewed from the posterior side thereof.

[0066] The girdle shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is substantially identical to the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, except that it is designed so that the leg parts are slightly shorter than the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 so as to be of a standard-type (with a standard length).

[0067] More specifically, the girdle includes easily stretchable portions (A)1, easily stretchable portions (B)2, and an easily stretchable portion (C)3. Each of the easily stretchable portions (A)1 covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof. Each of the easily stretchable portions (B)2 covers a region of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. The easily stretchable portion (C)3, in a posterior side of the garment, covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. Here, like in the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, 4 denotes a position of the sulcus gluteus of the human body, and 5 denotes a top position of a bulge of hip. The portion other than those described above is formed with a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions. More specifically, a girdle base shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is formed with a two-way tricot fabric that is easily stretchable in both of longitudinal and transversal directions of the girdle, and a two-way power net that is more resistant to stretching stress, that is, less stretchable than the foregoing two-way tricot fabric, is laminated and attached by sewing on an interior side of the entire girdle base except for the easily stretchable portions 1, 2, and 3.

[0068] Thus, the standard-type girdle obtained has the easily stretchable portions (A)1 each of which is easily stretchable at least substantially in the width direction (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction, following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent the leg part of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the anterior hem thereof. Further, the present girdle has the easily stretchable portions (B)2 easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions) in a region that covers a portion of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis. When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action causes the leg and the torso to be folded in a “<” shape, like a hinge, around the sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the wearer lowers the leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such an action causes the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis to be stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily stretchable portion (B)2 sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch and shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing feeling.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the girdle further includes, on its posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes the torso and the leg to be folded in a “<” shape, changing an angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the leg causes the upper and lower hem of the girdle on the posterior side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent the waist part of the girdle from being pulled down (toward the crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of the girdle from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and sliding up.

[0070] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily stretchable portions (A)1, (B)2, and (C)3 is less stretchable than these easily stretchable portions, the girdle is configured so that an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion 8 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the legs beautifully. Further, since a portion 10 between the sulcus gluteus 4 and the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions, this portion performs the hip-up support function. Therefore, the girdle also has a function for controlling the shape of the hips beautifully.

[0071] Next, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle according to another embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof. A perspective view of the long-type girdle shown in FIG. 5 viewed from the posterior side thereof is omitted, since it is the same as FIG. 2.

[0072] The girdle shown in FIG. 5 differs from the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in that each of the easily stretchable portions (A)1 covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position in the width direction thereof positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof, and further, it has a width that increases with an increasing proximity to the hem of the girdle. Except for this characteristic, the girdle has characteristics identical to the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0073] More specifically, the girdle includes easily stretchable portions (A)1. Each of the easily stretchable portion (A)1 covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof. The width of the easily stretchable portion (A)1 increases with an increasing proximity to the hem of the girdle. The width of the easily stretchable portion (A)1, though not particularly limited, preferably is not more than 8 cm where it is widest. In this embodiment, the widest portion of the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is to be applied on a belly of the musculus rectus femoris, which exhibits the greatest three-dimensional change, and this embodiment is one of preferred embodiments. The garment also includes easily stretchable portion (B)2, each of which covers a region of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. Further, the garment also, in a posterior side of the garment, includes an easily stretchable portion (C)3 (see FIG. 2) that covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. The portion other than those described above is formed with a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions. More specifically, a girdle base shown in FIG. 5 is formed with a two-way tricot fabric that is easily stretchable in both of longitudinal and transversal directions of the girdle, and a two-way power net that is more resistant to stretching stress, that is, less stretchable than the foregoing two-way tricot fabric, is laminated and attached by sewing on an interior side of the entire girdle base except for the easily stretchable portions 1, 2, and 3.

[0074] Thus, the long-type girdle obtained has the easily stretchable portions (A)1, each of which is easily stretchable at least substantially in the width direction (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions), and further, has a width increasing with an increasing proximity to the hem of the girdle. Therefore, even if the muscles in the femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction and allows the garment to perform more effectively the function of following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent the leg part of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the anterior hem thereof. Further, the present girdle includes the easily stretchable portions (B)2 easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions) in a region that covers a portion of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis. When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action causes the leg and the torso to be folded in a “<” shape, like a hinge, around the sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the wearer lowers the leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such an action causes the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis to be stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily stretchable portion (B)2 sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch and shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing feeling.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the girdle further includes, on its posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes the torso and the leg to be folded in a “<” shape, changing an angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the leg causes the upper and lower hem of the girdle on the posterior side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent the waist part of the girdle from being pulled down (toward the crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of the girdle from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and sliding up.

[0076] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily stretchable portions (A)1, (B)2, and (C)3 is less stretchable than these easily stretchable portions, the girdle is configured so that an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion 8 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the legs beautifully. Further, since a portion 10 between the sulcus gluteus 4 and the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions, this portion performs the hip-up support function. Therefore, the girdle also has a function for controlling the shape of the hips beautifully.

[0077] Next, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle according to still another embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof. A perspective view of the long-type girdle shown in FIG. 6 viewed from the posterior side thereof is omitted, since it is the same as FIG. 2.

[0078] The girdle shown in FIG. 6 differs from the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the girdle shown in FIG. 6 further includes an easily stretchable portion (A-1)1 b that is arranged substantially in parallel with the easily stretchable portion (A)1, that has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, and that is easily stretchable at least in a width direction thereof, on a lateral side of each of the easily stretchable portions (A)1 that covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position in the width direction thereof positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof. Except for this characteristic, the girdle has characteristics identical to the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0079] More specifically, the girdle includes easily stretchable portions (A)1, and easily stretchable portions (A-1)1 each of which is arranged on the lateral side of each easily stretchable portion (A)1. Each of the easily stretchable portion (A)1 covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof. Each easily stretchable portion (A-1)1 b is arranged substantially in parallel with the easily stretchable portion (A)1, has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, and is easily stretchable at least in a width direction thereof. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, though not limited particularly, a sum of the width of the easily stretchable portion (A)1 and the easily stretchable portion (A-1)1 b preferably is in a range of 3 cm to 8 cm. The garment also includes easily stretchable portion (B)2, each of which covers a region of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. Further, the garment also, in a posterior side of the garment, includes an easily stretchable portion (C)3 (see FIG. 2) that covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. The portion other than those described above is formed with a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions. More specifically, a girdle base shown in FIG. 6 is formed with a two-way tricot fabric that is easily stretchable in both of longitudinal and transversal directions of the girdle, and a two-way power net that is more resistant to stretching stress, that is, less stretchable than the foregoing two-way tricot fabric, is laminated and attached by sewing on an interior side of the entire girdle base except for the easily stretchable portions 1, 2, and 3.

[0080] Thus, the long-type girdle obtained has the easily stretchable portions (A)1, each of which is easily stretchable at least substantially in the width direction (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions), and the easily stretchable portions (A-1)1 b, each of which is arranged substantially in parallel with the easily stretchable portion (A)1, has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, and is easily stretchable at least in a width direction thereof (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). Therefore, the easily stretchable portion (A-1)1 b absorbs such motions of the femoral region, changes in the muscle shapes, etc., that cannot be absorbed only by the easily stretchable portion (A)1 that covers a region over the musculus rectus femoris, and enables the girdle to follow motions of the femoral region more easily. Therefore, even if the muscles in the femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction and allows the garment to perform more effectively the function of following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent the leg part of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the anterior hem thereof. Further, the present girdle includes the easily stretchable portions (B)2 easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions) in a region that covers a portion of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis. When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action causes the leg and the torso to be folded in a “<” shape, like a hinge, around the sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the wearer lowers the leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such an action causes the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis to be stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily stretchable portion (B)2 sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch and shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing feeling.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the girdle further includes, on its posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes the torso and the leg to be folded in a “<” shape, changing an angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the leg causes the upper and lower hem of the girdle on the posterior side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent the waist part of the girdle from being pulled down (toward the crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of the girdle from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and sliding up.

[0082] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily stretchable portions (A)1, (B)2, and (C)3 is less stretchable than these easily stretchable portions, the girdle is configured so that an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion 8 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the legs beautifully. Further, since a portion 10 between the sulcus gluteus 4 and the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions, this portion performs the hip-up support function. Therefore, the girdle also has a function for controlling the shape of the hips beautifully.

[0083] It should be noted that the present embodiment is described with reference to an example in which the easily stretchable portion (A-1)1 b is arranged on a lateral side of each easily stretchable portion (A)1, but the easily stretchable portion (A-1)1 b may be arranged on an opposite side with respect to the easily stretchable portion (A)1, that is, on a medial side of the easily stretchable portion (A)1 near the anterior center of the girdle, or alternatively, may be arranged on both medial and lateral sides as required. Alternatively, an easily stretchable portion equivalent to two easily stretchable portions (A-1) may be arranged on only either of the lateral side of the easily stretchable portion (A-1) or on the medial side near the anterior center of the girdle with respect to the easily stretchable portion (A)1. It should be noted that it is not preferable to increase the number of the portions to an extent significantly exceeding the number described above, and a sum of widths thereof preferably is approximately 3 cm to 8 cm particularly, since in this case the above-described functions can be performed effectively. An excessive increase in the number, or an excessive increase or decrease in the total width of the same, tends to rather deteriorate the functions.

[0084] Next, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle according to still another embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the same viewed from the posterior side.

[0085] The girdle shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 differs from the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the following points. Each of the easily stretchable portions (A)1, which covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position in the width direction thereof positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof. Further, each of the easily stretchable portions (A)1 has a shape like a cross-sectional shape of a convex lens that has thinned upper and lower ends, with outlines being converged at the ends. Still further, each of the easily stretchable portion (B)2, which covers a region of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, also has a shape like a cross-sectional shape of a convex lens, having thinned ends on the lateral side and on the medial side near the anterior center, with outlines being converged at the ends. Further, the easily stretchable portion (A)1 and the easily stretchable portion (B)2 are not connected with each other. Still further, each easily stretchable portion (C)3, which covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, also is not connected with the easily stretchable portion (B)2. Except for these characteristics, the girdle has characteristics identical to the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The portion other than those described above is formed with a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions. More specifically, a girdle base shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is formed with a two-way tricot fabric that is easily stretchable in both of longitudinal and transversal directions of the girdle, and a two-way power net that is more resistant to stretching stress, that is, less stretchable than the foregoing two-way tricot fabric, is laminated and attached by sewing on an interior side of the entire girdle base except for the easily stretchable portions 1, 2, and 3.

[0086] Thus, the long-type girdle obtained has the easily stretchable portions (A)1, each of which is easily stretchable at least substantially in the width direction (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction and allows the garment to perform the function of following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent the leg part of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the anterior hem thereof. Further, the present girdle includes the easily stretchable portions (B)2 easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions) in a region that covers a portion of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis. When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action causes the leg and the torso to be folded in a “<” shape, like a hinge, around the sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the wearer lowers the leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such an action causes the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis to be stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily stretchable portion (B)2 sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch and shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing feeling.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the girdle further includes, on its posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes the torso and the leg to be folded in a “<” shape, changing an angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the leg causes the upper and lower hem of the girdle on the posterior side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent the waist part of the girdle from being pulled down (toward the crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of the girdle from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and sliding up.

[0088] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily stretchable portions (A)1, (B)2, and (C)3 is less stretchable than these easily stretchable portions, the girdle is configured so that an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion 8 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the legs beautifully. Further, since a portion 10 between the sulcus gluteus 4 and the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions, this portion performs the hip-up support function. Therefore, the girdle also has a function for controlling the shape of the hips beautifully.

[0089] Next, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a long-type girdle according to still another embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof. A perspective of the long-type girdle shown in FIG. 9 viewed from the posterior side is omitted, since it is the same as FIG. 8.

[0090] The girdle shown in FIG. 9 differs from the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the following points. Each of the easily stretchable portions (A)1, which covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position in the width direction thereof positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof, further has a shape having a thinned lower end, with outlines being converged at the end. Further, each of the easily stretchable portions (B)2, which covers a region of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, also has a shape with a thinned end on the lateral side, with outlines being converged at the end. Thus, the girdle is configured as if the easily stretchable portion (A)1 and the easily stretchable portion (B)2 in the girdle shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are connected with each other. Further, each easily stretchable portion (C) 3, which covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, is not connected with the easily stretchable portion (B)2, as in the case of the girdle shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Except for these characteristics, the girdle has characteristics identical to the girdle shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The portion other than those described above is formed with a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions. More specifically, a girdle base shown in FIG. 9 is formed with a two-way tricot fabric that is easily stretchable in both of longitudinal and transversal directions of the girdle, and a two-way power net that is more resistant to stretching stress, that is, less stretchable than the foregoing two-way tricot fabric, is laminated and attached by sewing on an interior side of the entire girdle base except for the easily stretchable portions 1, 2, and 3.

[0091] Thus, the long-type girdle obtained has the easily stretchable portions (A)1, each of which is easily stretchable at least substantially in the width direction (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction and allows the garment to perform the function of following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent the leg part of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the anterior hem thereof. Further, the present girdle includes the easily stretchable portions (B)2 easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions) in a region that covers a portion of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis. When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action causes the leg and the torso to be folded in a “<” shape, like a hinge, around the sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the wearer lowers the leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such an action causes the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis to be stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily stretchable portion (B)2 sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch and shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing feeling.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the girdle further includes, on its posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes the torso and the leg to be folded in a “<” shape, changing an angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the leg causes the upper and lower hem of the girdle on the posterior side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent the waist part of the girdle from being pulled down (toward the crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of the girdle from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and sliding up.

[0093] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily stretchable portions (A)1, (B)2, and (C)3 is less stretchable than these easily stretchable portions, the girdle is configured so that an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion 8 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the legs beautifully. Further, since a portion 10 (see FIG. 8) between the sulcus gluteus 4 and the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions, this portion performs the hip-up support function. Therefore, the girdle also has a function for controlling the shape of the hips beautifully.

[0094] Next, FIG. 10 is a perspective view of athletic tights according to one of embodiments of a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the same viewed from the posterior side.

[0095] The athletic tights shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 differ from the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the following points. The athletic tights are long-type tights covering the legs to their ankles, and therefore, each of the easily stretchable portions (A)1, which covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position in the width direction thereof positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof, extends to the ankle. Except for these characteristics, the athletic tights have characteristics identical to the girdle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The portion other than those described above is formed with a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions. More specifically, a tights base shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is formed with a two-way power net fabric that is easily stretchable in both of longitudinal and transversal directions of the tights, and a two-way power net that is more resistant to stretching stress, that is, less stretchable than the foregoing two-way power net fabric, is laminated and attached by sewing on an interior side of the entire tights base except for the easily stretchable portions 1, 2, and 3.

[0096] Thus, the athletic tights obtained have the easily stretchable portions (A)1, each of which is easily stretchable at least substantially in the width direction (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction and allows the garment to perform the function of following the foregoing action. Further, the present garment includes the easily stretchable portions (B)2 easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions) in a region that covers a portion of the human body along the sulcus inguinalis. When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action causes the leg and the torso to be folded in a “<” shape, like a hinge, around the sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the wearer lowers the leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such an action causes the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis to be stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily stretchable portion (B)2 sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch and shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment base from sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing feeling.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the athletic tights further include, on their posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus 4 to around the vicinity of an upper end 6 of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes the torso and the leg to be folded in a “<” shape, changing an angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the leg causes the upper and lower hems of the athletic tights on the posterior side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent the waist part of the athletic tights from being pulled down (toward the crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of the athletic tights from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and sliding up. Still further, any displacement of the athletic tights to the right or left side (displacement of the fabric in close contact with the femoral regions toward the right or left side or diagonally), or any twist of the same, does not occur during sports, and the athletic tights do not hinder the contraction of muscles of the femoral regions, particularly, the musculus rectus femoris.

[0098] Thus, it is possible to provide athletic tights having the following characteristics. The athletic tights are prevented from losing shape. Further, since the entirety except for the easily stretchable portions (A)1, (B)2, and (C)3 is less stretchable than these easily stretchable portions, the athletic tights are configured so that an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion 8 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the legs beautifully. Further, since a portion 10 between the sulcus gluteus 4 and the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions, this portion performs the hip-up support function. Therefore, the athletic tights also have a function for controlling the shape of the hips beautifully.

[0099] It should be noted that though the athletic tights shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 have a length to the ankles (ankle-length), the present invention is effectively applicable to under-knee-length tights with a length to immediately under the knee, or above-knee-length (half-length) tights, which is eloquent from the viewpoint of the application of the long-type girdles described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 to 9.

[0100]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a semi-long-type girdle as a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side of the same.

[0101] The girdle shown in FIG. 12 includes easily stretchable portions (A) 1 each of which covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof. The portion other than the easily stretchable portions (A)1 described above is formed with a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions. More specifically, a girdle base shown in FIG. 12 is formed with a two-way tricot fabric that is easily stretchable in both of longitudinal and transversal directions of the girdle, and a two-way power net that is more resistant to stretching stress, that is, less stretchable than the foregoing two-way tricot fabric, is laminated and attached by sewing on an interior side of the entire girdle base except for the easily stretchable portions 1.

[0102] Thus, the semi-long-type girdle obtained has the easily stretchable portions (A)1 each of which is easily stretchable at least substantially in the width direction (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction, following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent the leg part of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the anterior hem thereof.

[0103] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily stretchable portions (A)1 is less stretchable than these easily stretchable portions, the girdle is configured so that an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the legs beautifully.

[0104]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of athletic tights according to another embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side of the same.

[0105] The athletic tights shown in FIG. 13 include easily stretchable portions (A)1 each of which covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof. The portion other than the easily stretchable portions (A)1 described above is formed with a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions. More specifically, a tights base shown in FIG. 13 is formed with a two-way power net fabric that is easily stretchable in both of longitudinal and transversal directions of the athletic tights, and a two-way power net that is more resistant to stretching stress, that is, less stretchable than the foregoing two-way power net fabric, is laminated and attached by sewing on an interior side of the entire tights base except for the easily stretchable portions 1.

[0106] Thus, the athletic tights obtained have the easily stretchable portions (A)1 each of which is easily stretchable at least substantially in the width direction (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction, and allows the athletic tights to follow the foregoing action. Further, any displacement of the athletic tights to the right or left side (displacement of the fabric in close contact with the femoral regions toward the right or left side or diagonally), or any twist of the same, does not occur during sports, and the athletic tights do not hinder the contraction of muscles of the femoral regions, particularly, the musculus rectus femoris.

[0107] Thus, it is possible to provide athletic tights having the following characteristics. The athletic tights are prevented from losing shape. Further, since its entirety except for the easily stretchable portions (A)1 is less stretchable than these easily stretchable portions, the athletic tights are configured so that an abdominal portion 7 thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the abdominal region beautifully, a waist portion thereof is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to be slimmer, and leg portions 9 thereof support the leg regions as if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the legs beautifully.

[0108] It should be noted that though the athletic tights shown in FIG. 13 have a length to the ankles (ankle-length), the present invention is significantly effectively applicable to under-knee-length tights with a length to immediately under the knee, or above-knee-length (half-length) tights, which is eloquent from the viewpoint of the application of the long-type girdles described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 to 9.

[0109] Next, FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a long-type girdle according to still another embodiment of a garment of the present invention, viewed from the anterior side thereof, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the same viewed from the posterior side thereof. FIG. 16 is a plan view of a fabric before cutting, from which a piece for forming a part of the girdle shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 to cover mainly from the posterior to anterior lateral side to the leg is to be obtained, which corresponds to a left-side half of the human body.

[0110] The girdle shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 includes easily stretchable portions (A)1, and an easily stretchable portion (C)3. Each of the easily stretchable portions (A)1 covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment and having a center position in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof. The easily stretchable portion (C)3 covers a region of the body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. Here, the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions are not formed into desired patterns by laminating fabric pieces, but in the present embodiment, they are formed by knitting so that the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions are knitted differently by varying knitting stitch. Particularly, the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions are formed by jacquard knitting so that the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions are knitted differently into patterns by varying knitting stitch of the jacquard knitting. Further, a thickness of an elastic yarn inserted in a wale direction (the wale direction is a direction in which a yarn is supplied in warp knitting, or in other words, a direction in which a fabric knitted by a jacquard warp knitting machine is discharged from the warp knitting machine, which is a horizontal direction of FIGS. 14 to 16, that is, a direction indicated by an arrow S) is varied from one zone to another. Thus, in the present embodiment, the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions are formed by combining the variation of the knitting stitch and the variation of the thickness of the inserted elastic yarn from one zone to another. Alternate long and short dash lines in he drawing indicate boundaries at which the thickness of the elastic yarn changes, and solid lines indicate boundaries at which the knitting stitch formed by the jacquard knitting changes. In FIG. 16, an outline at which a part of the girdle ranging from the posterior to anterior lateral side to the leg, corresponding to a left-side half of the human body, is cut out is indicated by a dotted line (a dotted line A-B-C-D-E-F-G) (margins to seam are omitted in the drawing). It should be noted that in the present embodiment, portions to which the variation of the knitting according to the variation of the knitting stitch and the variation of the thickness of the inserted elastic yarn from one zone to another are applied are pieces each of which is for forming a part of the girdle, to cover mainly from the posterior to anterior lateral side to the leg, and corresponding to each of the left-side and right-side halves of the human body.

[0111] Further, in the present embodiment, basically, a mesh-type net stitch is used for forming the easily stretchable portions, and a satin-type net stitch is used for forming the less stretchable portions. The satin-type net stitch for forming the less-stretchable portions is further varied at three levels in the present embodiment, wherein a portion knitted so as to have a greater straining force (the stitch of this portion is hereinafter abbreviately referred to as “satin-strong”), a portion knitted so as to have an intermediate straining force (the stitch of this portion is hereinafter abbreviately referred to as “satin-intermediate”), and a portion knitted so as to have the weakest straining force (the stitch of this portion is hereinafter abbreviately referred to as “satin-weak”) are used for the variation of knitting. A specific example of such knitting variation is disclosed by JP 3023354, in which a method of changing the knitting stitch that appears on a face of a ground knitting stitch is used, though details of the same are omitted herein. By this method, in a satin-type net stitch for forming the less stretchable portions, as the proportion of a racking of not less than two needles is higher, a stronger straining force can be obtained. In the satin-strong portion, as disclosed in FIG. 3 of JP 3023354, there are three courses each of which has a racking of two needles in one repetition unit in a satin-type net stitch. In the satin-intermediate portion, as disclosed in FIG. 4 of the same application, there are two courses each of which has a racking of two needles in one repetition unit in a satin-type net stitch. In the satin-weak portion, as disclosed in FIG. 5 of the same application, there is one course which has a racking of two needles in one repetition unit in a satin-type net stitch. For forming the easily stretchable portion, a mesh-type net stitch as shown in FIG. 10 of JP 3023354, for instance, is used. Such variation of the knitting stitch can be achieved with stitch having a racking of two needles or the like, which is obtained by electrically controlling yarn guide bars to which deflecting transducers using piezoelectric elements, etc., are attached, and are provided in a warp knitting machine having a jacquard control mechanism. The details of the method are described in, for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,512 (corresponding to JP 6(1994)-166934A) and the like, and more specifically, a high-speed jacquard raschel machine “RSJ 4/1” manufactured by Karl Mayer Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH or the like may be used.

[0112] First, with reference to FIG. 16, the variation of the thickness of the elastic yarn inserted in the wale direction (horizontal direction of the drawing, indicated by the arrow S) from one zone to another is described below.

[0113] A polyurethane fiber yarn (spandex yarn) of 280 denier is inserted in zones 30 and 32 in FIG. 16, so as to impart a stronger straining force to these zones as a whole. A polyurethane fiber yarn (spandex yarn) of 140 denier is inserted in a zone 31, so as to impart a weaker straining force to these zones as a whole. An alternate long and short dash line 33 indicates a boundary between the zones 30 and 31, and an alternate long and short dash line 34 indicates a boundary between the zones 31 and 32. More specifically, the zone 31 is a zone corresponding to an abdominal region and a hip peripheral region are obtained, and therefore, the stretching powers of the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions, that is, straining forces thereof, are set to be weaker in average as a whole so as not to flatten the bulges of hips, and so as to be easily expanded since the body of the wearer corresponding to this portion has a large volume. The zone 32 is a zone to cover the leg, and therefore, the stretching powers of this portion, that is, straining forces thereof, are set to be stronger in average as a whole, so as to control the shape of the region ranging from the femoral region to the hip. Even if the straining force is set stronger in this zone, the wearing feeling is not impaired much. Since the zone 30 (corresponding to portions 39 b, 40, and 3 b) has a small area, the straining force of this zone is set to be relatively stronger. The stretching powers, that is, straining forces in this zone are set to be stronger in average as a whole, so as to be supportive to allow an abdomen covering piece 52 to easily perform a function for control the shape of the abdomen, and to cause an upper portion from a lateral side to a posterior side to be fitted.

[0114] Next, an embodiment of changing the knitting stitch appearing on a face of a jacquard raschel ground stitch so as to be knitted differently with the satin-strong, satin-intermediate, and satin-weak stitches of the satin-type net stitch, as well as the mesh-type net stitch. In FIGS. 14 to 16, a leg hem portion 35 is knitted with the satin-weak stitch in a wavy pattern so as to have a slightly strong straining force, whereby the sliding-up of the hem is prevented. It should be noted that 36 denotes a boundary of the wavy pattern of the leg hem portion 35. A portion corresponding to the easily stretchable portion (A)1 that has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment, covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof is knitted with the mesh-type net stitch so as to have a decreased straining force. A leg medial portion 37 that is to cover a medial region of the body, a portion 37 a that is an extension of the leg medial portion 37 and is to cover a region slightly below a lateral abdominal region, a leg medial portion 41 to cover a body medial side (see FIG. 16), and a leg lateral portion 38 to cover a lateral side of the body are knitted with the satin-intermediate stitch. A portion 39 to cover a region from below the hip to a posterior side of the leg, and portions 39 a and 39 b that are extensions of the portion 39 extending diagonally upward to an anterior lateral side are knitted with the satin-strong stitch. By so doing, the fitting characteristic of the leg part is improved, and the function for controlling the shape of the region from the thighs to below the hips is performed. On the other hand, because of the presence of the easily stretchable portion (A)1, even if the muscles in the femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the function of following the foregoing action is performed, since the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction.

[0115] Further, the easily stretchable portion (C)3 that covers a region of the body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, and the portion 3 b that is an upper extension of the portion (C)3 are present in a posterior side of the garment, and these portions are formed with the mesh-type net stitch so as to have a weak straining force. Portions around the foregoing portions, that is, a hip lower portion 40 a, a hip lateral portion 40, and a posterior waist lower portion 40 b are formed with the satin-intermediate stitch, so as to cause the portions to perform the hip-up support function for keeping the hip into shape by supporting the bulge of the hip from the lower and lateral sides thereof, and so as to improve the fitting by utilizing the posterior waist lower portion 40 b. As a yarn for the ground stitch of the mesh-type net and the satin-type net (all of the satin-strong, satin-intermediate, and satin-weak stitches) described above, a nylon yarn of 30 denier is used. It should be noted that the thickness of the elastic yarn to be inserted is as described above.

[0116] Furthermore, the abdomen covering piece 52 shown in FIG. 14 is prepared separately, and in the present embodiment, this piece is formed with a jacquard raschel knitted fabric, while a ground stitch is knitted with the satin-strong stitch made of a nylon yarn of 40 denier, to which a polyurethane fiber yarn (spandex yarn) of 280 denier is inserted. The fabric piece is sewn with a piece for forming a part of the girdle mainly ranging from the posterior to anterior lateral side to the leg along to a B-C line shown in FIG. 16, which substantially corresponds to a sewing line 53. Further, a waist piece 50 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is formed with a fabric piece prepared separately, which is a nylon one-way power net knitted fabric knitted with a yarn of 40 denier, to which a polyurethane fiber yarn (spandex yarn) of 280 denier is inserted, and which is stretchable in the transversal direction in a worn state. The foregoing fabric piece is folded in two, and in a state in which the crease is on a superior side, it is sewn with an upper hem of the abdomen covering piece 52, and the piece for forming a part of the girdle, to cover mainly from the posterior to anterior lateral side to the leg along a C-D line shown in FIG. 16, which corresponds to a sewing line 51.

[0117] As described above, the piece to cover from the posterior to anterior lateral side to the leg is knitted so that the straining force is varied by the combination of the variation of the knitting stitch (satin-type net stitch (satin-strong, satin-intermediate, and satin-weak), and mesh-type net stitch) and the variation of the thickness of the inserted elastic yarn according to the zone. Therefore, the straining force varies with the combination. In the present embodiment, the straining force is varied at substantially seven levels. For reference, zones having straining forces at the seven levels are shown in the level descendent order:

[0118] zone (i): 39, 39 b

[0119] zone (ii): 37, 38, 41, 40 a, 40 b

[0120] zone (iii): 35, 3 b

[0121] zone (iv): 1

[0122] zone (v): 39 a

[0123] zone (vi): 37 a, 40

[0124] zone (vii): 3

[0125] Thus, a long-type girdle obtained has the easily stretchable portions (A)1 each of which is easily stretchable at least substantially in the width direction (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). Therefore, even if the muscles in the femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral region shown in FIG. 19B, the easily stretchable portion (A)1 is stretched at least in the width direction, following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent the leg part of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the anterior hem thereof.

[0126] In the present embodiment, the girdle further includes, on its posterior side, the easily stretchable portion (C)3, which covers a region of the human body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end of the musculus gluteus maximus, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment (in the present embodiment, easily stretchable in both of the longitudinal and transversal directions). When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes the torso and the leg to be folded in a “<” shape, changing an angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the leg causes the upper and lower hems of the girdle on the posterior side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily stretchable portion (C)3 is significantly easily stretchable in response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent the waist part of the girdle from being pulled down (toward the crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of the girdle from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and sliding up.

[0127] Thus, it is possible to provide a girdle having the following characteristics. The girdle is prevented from losing shape. Further, the girdle is configured so that abdomen covering piece 52 is capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the abdominal region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the abdominal region beautifully, that the portions 39 b and 40 b are present in the waist region and are capable of keeping superfluous flesh in the waist region from swelling out and controlling the shape of the waist so as to be slimmer, and that the leg portions support the leg regions as if they wrap the leg regions so as to control the shapes of the legs beautifully. Further, since the portions 40 a and 40 are less stretchable than the easily stretchable portions (C)3, these portions perform the hip-up support function. Therefore, the girdle also has a function for controlling the shape of the hips beautifully.

[0128] Further, by knitting the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion into patterns differently, a level difference does not occur at a boundary between the portions, and recesses and protrusions due to such level differences are not produced when the girdle is worn, thereby providing an improved appearance. Furthermore, since there is no level difference, the girdle provides good skin touch, and also provides improved air permeability, as compared with the case of lamination of fabrics, thereby providing excellent wearing feeling. Particularly, by changing the knitting stitch by jacquard knitting so that the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions are knitted differently into patterns, it is possible to produce girdles with stable finished dimensions as compared with the girdles formed by circular knitting, thereby facilitating the production of girdles with the same finished dimensions in a large amount, as well as to avoid fraying such as so-called run, to achieve excellent durability, to increase the knitting density, and to achieve excellent productivity. Therefore, the foregoing method is particularly preferable. Particularly, by the method of changing the knitting stitch by jacquard knitting so that the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are knitted differently into patterns by varying the knitting stitch, the patterns are knitted desirably, which makes it possible to knit patterns in continuous-band-like curved shapes differently, such as the portions 39 a and 39 b, the portions 40 a, 40, and 40 b, the portion 35, the portions 37 and 37 a, the portion 1, the portion 38, and the portion 41. The “continuous-band-like shape” indicates, not an aggregate of small patterns arranged at relatively small spaces, which appears to form one large pattern when viewed macroscopically, but one band-like continuous pattern that extends continuously as a continued area, and further, which has boundary lines not straight but curved or which as a whole is curved. Thus, changing the knitting stitch by jacquard knitting so that the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions are knitted differently into patterns, portions are knitted with desirable knitting stitches. This method makes it possible to form the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions of the present invention into desired patterns including curved continuous-band-like patterns, which is preferable. It should be noted that in a pattern thus knitted, other smaller pattern such as floral patterns may be inserted with different knitting stitches, as long as the object of the above-described method of knitting patterns by varying the knitting stitch is achieved. Further, it should be noted that, though the embodiment in which patterns are knitted with the mesh-type net stitch on one hand, and with the satin-type net stitches (satin-strong, satin-intermediate, satin-weak) for forming less stretchable portions than the mesh-type net stitch portions is adapted in the foregoing example, only the satin-type net stitches may be used, including the satin-strong stitch, the satin-intermediate stitch, the satin-weak stitch, and other stitches with straining forces at stronger or weaker levels as required.

[0129] The garment according to the embodiment of the present invention described specifically with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 is configured so that

[0130] (i) the garment base is formed with an easily stretchable fabric, and another fabric is laminated on an exterior side and/or on an interior side of a portion of the easily stretchable fabric that is to be made less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion, wherein the laminated portion constitutes the less stretchable portion, while the other portion constitutes the easily stretchable portion. However, the garment may be formed by different appropriate methods so that, for instance:

[0131] (ii) the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are formed by knitting so that the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are knitted differently by varying knitting stitch, for instance, as described above with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16;

[0132] (iii) the easily stretchable portion is formed with an easily stretchable fabric; the less stretchable portion is formed with a fabric that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable fabric; and the easily stretchable fabric and the less stretchable fabric are seamed so as to form the garment; and

[0133] (vi) the garment base is formed with an easily stretchable fabric, and a portion of the easily stretchable fabric that is to be made less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion is treated with a resin so that the resin-treated portion constitutes the less stretchable portion, while the other portion constitutes the easily stretchable portion.

[0134] The configuration (i) is preferable from the viewpoint that it is implemented relatively easily, and does not cause excessive deterioration of air permeability. The configuration (ii) does not have level differences at boundaries of portions since it provides the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions without laminating fabrics. Therefore, when it is worn, it does not produce recesses and protrusions due to the level differences, thereby providing good appearance. Furthermore, since there is no level difference, the garment provides good skin touch, and also provides improved air permeability, as compared with the case of lamination of fabrics, thereby providing excellent wearing feeling. Accordingly, this configuration is particularly preferable. Particularly, by changing the knitting stitch appearing on a face of a ground stitch of jacquard knitting, or among others, jacquard raschel knitting (raschel knitting implemented by using a jacquard knitting machine), the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions are knitted into patterns by varying the knitting stitch. In this case, it is possible to knit the patterns easily with different stitches, respectively, even if the foregoing patterns include band-like curved continuous patterns that cannot be implemented by conventional jacquard knitting. With this, it is also possible to substantially avoid level differences on boundaries between the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions, thereby avoiding a problem that a level difference is reflected on an outerwear and is seen from outside of the outerwear. Therefore, this provides good wearing feeling, and keeps the wearer's appearance beautifully. Moreover, it is also possible to provide stable finished dimensions as compared with products obtained by circular knitting, thereby facilitating the production of garments with the same finished dimensions in a large amount, to avoid fraying such as so-called run, to achieve excellent durability, to increase the knitting density, as well as to achieve excellent productivity. Thus, this configuration is particularly preferable. In this case, the easily stretchable portions preferably are knitted with the mesh-type net stitch, while the less stretchable portions are knitted with the satin-type net stitch. However, the knitting method is not limited to this. For instance, only the satin-type net stitch may be used so that the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions are knitted differently by varying the proportion of a racking of not less than two needles, as described in JP 3023354. Alternatively, for instance, the following configuration is also preferable. In the leg parts the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions may be knitted differently with their respective straining forces being set relatively high in the whole, while in the portions covering the abdomen and the periphery of the hips the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions may be knitted differently with their respective straining forces being set relatively low in the whole so as not to flatten the roundness of the hips and so as to be stretched easily since in these portions the body of the wearer has a large volume, whereby the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions are provided in each of the region in which the straining forces are increased in the whole and the region in which the straining forces are decreased in the whole.

[0135] Examples of the configuration such as the configuration (ii) above for knitting the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions differently by varying the knitting stitch include the method of knitting the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions with different knitting stitches, respectively, and also, the method of varying the thickness or type of fiber yarns used, the method of varying the knitting density, the method of varying the thickness or insertion ratio of an elastic fiber yarn to be inserted and/or knitted in, and combinations of these.

[0136] In the case where the garment base is formed with an easily stretchable fabric and a portion of the easily stretchable fabric that is to be made less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion is treated with a resin so that the resin-treated portion constitutes the less stretchable portion while the other portion constitutes the easily stretchable portion as in the configuration (vi), examples of the resin treatment include coating, impregnation, lamination of resin films, etc. The resin preferably is applied on a face of the garment base fabric, since this prevents the skin touch from deteriorating. On the other hand, from the viewpoints of appearance and design, the resin preferably is applied on a back of the garment base fabric. The resin may be applied on both of the face and back of the base fabric as required.

[0137] The fabric used for forming the garment is not limited particularly, but stretchable two-way tricot knitted fabrics and stretchable raschel knitted fabrics (including stretchable power nets) are used preferably for both of the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions. Among these knitted fabrics, those containing elastic fiber yarns such as polyurethane fibers at an appropriate ratio are used preferably. For the less stretchable portions, non-stretchable knitted fabrics or woven fabrics may be used as required. As these fabrics, fabrics having a thickness at a normal level for garment formation, for instance, approximately 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm, are used. Therefore, it is possible to provide a garment that causes a minimum deterioration of the wearer's appearance such as the figure when it is worn, that is fitted tight to the body, and that has a relatively good air permeability. Examples of the types of the power net include plane power net, satin power net, two-way raschel, “TRISKIN” (trademark of Urabe Corporation), etc. It should be noted that the satin-type net and the mesh type net described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16 indicate satin-type power net and mesh-type power net knitted by jacquard knitting.

[0138] Though the preferable embodiment varies with the type of the garment, typical preferred types of the fabric forming the easily stretchable portion include two-way tricot, mesh-type two-way power net, and the like that contain an elastic fiber yarn such as a polyurethane fiber yarn of 20 to 50 denier. Typical preferred types of the fabric forming the less stretchable portions or the fabric to be laminated for forming the less stretchable portions include knitted fabrics such as one-way or two-way power net, one-way or two-way triconet, two-way raschel, and the like (herein, “one-way” indicates that the fabric has stretchability in one of the longitudinal and transversal directions, and “two-way” indicates that the fabric has stretchability in two of the longitudinal and transversal directions), containing an elastic fiber yarn such as a polyurethane fiber yarn of 120 to 560 denier.

[0139] In the case where straining forces of the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are measured, the following method is used often: a sample is set in an instron universal tensile testing machine (“AUTOGRAPH AG-500D” manufactured by Shimazu Corporation), and is stretched at a rate of 300±20 cm/min, up to a stretching degree of 80% of a sample length (space between grips), and this stretching-returning is repeated three times. The value measured when stretched up to a stretching degree of 30% upon the third stretching-returning and the value measured when returned are used as measured results, among which the value when returned is used in many cases. It is preferable that a sample is prepared in a size of 2.5 cm in width and 16 cm in length, with an upper grip length and a lower grip length being set to be 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm, respectively, and hence, a space between grips set to be 10 cm. It should be noted that if a sample of this size cannot be cut out from the garment to be measured, a smaller sample may be used. However, because measurement error increases as the size of the sample decreases, it is preferable that a sample as large as possible is cut out and measured. It should be noted that in the case where a portion to be measured is made of a composite, such as a laminate of two sheets of fabrics, or a fabric treated with a resin such as an elastic resin (examples of the resin treatment include the elastic resin film lamination), a value in the composite state is measured as the straining force.

[0140] Furthermore, a direction in which the sample is stretched when the straining force is measured is “a predetermined stretching direction”. In the case of the easily stretchable portions (A) and (A-1), the “predetermined stretching direction” is the width direction thereof, whereas in the case of the easily stretchable portions (B) and (C), the “predetermined stretching direction” is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the garment.

[0141] The easily stretchable portion (A) preferably has a center position in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly on the lateral side with respect to the longitudinal center line of the anterior portion of the leg part. The reason is that a portion of the anterior side of the femoral region that juts out widely on the anterior side of the body as described with reference to FIG. 19B is the portion in which the musculus rectus femoris is present, and a longitudinal center line of the anterior side of the musculus rectus femoris is positioned slightly on the lateral side with respect to the longitudinal center line of the leg anterior part of the garment. More specifically, in the other words, it is preferable that the center position in the width direction of the easily stretchable portion (A) substantially coincides with the center position of the musculus rectus femoris in the width direction of the anterior side.

[0142] The width of the easily stretchable portion (A) preferably is approximately 3 cm to 8 cm, and in the case where as shown in FIG. 6 the garment further includes an easily stretchable portion (A-1) that is arranged substantially in parallel with the easily stretchable portion (A), that has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, and that is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof, a sum of a width of the easily stretchable portion (A) and a width of the easily stretchable portion (A-1) preferably is approximately 3 cm to 8 cm. Here, the “width of approximately 3 cm to 8 cm” does not exclude the case where the portion(s) partially is narrowed or widened as compared with the foregoing range, but the portion(s) may have a shape having decreased widths at upper and lower ends thereof such as a shape of a cross section of a convex lens, as long as the object of the present invention is achieved. In the case where the width is excessively small, the leg part of the garment becomes incapable of following a motion of the musculus rectus femoris and a change in the cross-sectional shape of the femoral region caused by the foregoing motion, and the garment tends to lose shape, displaced or twisted, or with the leg parts becoming tense and causing the hems thereof to slide up. Further, in the case where the width is excessively large, the garment tends to have a poor shaping function, and fails to perform the function of suppressing fine skin motions of a part that makes relatively small motions. Consequently, the garment tends to lose shape.

[0143] It is preferable that the garment further includes an easily stretchable portion (B) that covers a region of the body along the sulcus inguinalis, and in this case the easily stretchable portion (B) has a width of approximately 1 cm to 10 cm. In the case where the width is excessively small, when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee, the garment tends to perform a poor function in preventing the leg part of the garment from sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis. In the case where the width is excessively large, creases tend to be produced in the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis.

[0144] Further, the garment of the present invention preferably further includes, as the easily stretchable portion, an easily stretchable portion (C) that, in a posterior side of the garment, covers a region of the body at least on a superior side to a certain position between the sulcus gluteus and a bulge of hip, and that is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. More preferably, in a posterior side of the garment, the easily stretchable portion (C) covers a region of the body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end of the musculus gluteus maximus. When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes the torso and the leg to be folded in a “<” shape, changing an angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the leg causes the upper and lower hem of the garment on the posterior side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily stretchable portion (C) is significantly easily stretchable in response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent the waist part of the garment from being pulled down (toward the crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of the garment from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and sliding up. Further, with the embodiment in which in a posterior side of the garment, the easily stretchable portion (C) covers a region of the body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end of the musculus gluteus maximus, the foregoing functions are performed, and the portion between the sulcus gluteus and the easily stretchable portion (C), which is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion, performs the hip-up support function, performs the function of controlling the shape of the hips beautifully. Therefore, this embodiment is preferable.

Industrial Applicability

[0145] (1) A garment of the present invention, which includes a crotch part and leg parts covering at least parts of femoral regions and that is to be worn in a state of being fitted on a body of a wearer, includes an easily stretchable portion that is stretched relatively easily and a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion. The garment includes, as the easily stretchable portion, an easily stretchable portion (A) that has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment, covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, and is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof. Therefore, even if the muscles in the femoral region, particularly the musculus rectus femoris, contracts when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee and this muscle contraction causes an anterior side of the femoral region to jut out widely on the anterior side as seen in the cross-sectional view of the femoral region, the easily stretchable portion (A) is stretched at least in the width direction, following the foregoing action. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the garment from losing shape, and to prevent the leg part of the girdle from becoming tense and causing the sliding up of the anterior hem thereof. Further, the garment of the present invention also includes a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion (A). Therefore, the garment whose leg parts at least partially cover the femoral regions and that is to be worn in a state of being fitted on a body of a wearer is provided so as not to lose shape and to have a function of keeping the body into shape.

[0146] (2) The garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention so as to further include, as the easily stretchable portion, an easily stretchable portion (B) that covers a region of the body along the sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. With this embodiment, the garment has the following functions, in addition to the above-described functions. When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action causes the leg and the torso to be folded in a “<” shape, like a hinge, around the sulcus inguinalis as a center axis, thereby decreasing the angle formed therebetween, or in contrast, when the wearer lowers the leg, this action increases this angle. Thus, such an action causes the fabric covering the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis to be stretched or to be allowed to shrink. The easily stretchable portion (B) sufficiently follows the foregoing stretch and shrinkage, thereby preventing the leg part of the garment from sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis. Further, when the wearer is in a sitting position, it is possible to reduce pressure on the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis, thereby providing an improved wearing feeling. Therefore, the garment is provided so as not to lose shape and to have a function of keeping the body into shape. Thus, the present embodiment is preferable.

[0147] (3) Still further, the garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention so as to further include, as the easily stretchable portion, an easily stretchable portion (C) that, in a posterior side of the garment, covers a region of the body at least on a superior side to a certain position between the sulcus gluteus and a bulge of hip, and that is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment. With this embodiment, the garment has the following functions, in addition to the above-described functions. When the wearer raises the leg, bends the knee, or sits down, this action normally causes the torso and the leg to be folded in a “<” shape, changing an angle (position relationship) formed therebetween around the trochanter major as an axis. Therefore, the foregoing action of the leg causes the upper and lower hem of the garment on the posterior side to be pulled toward the crotch part. However, since the easily stretchable portion (C) is significantly easily stretchable in response to the foregoing pulling force, it is possible to prevent the waist part of the garment from being pulled down (toward the crotch part) and sliding down, and to prevent the posterior hems of the garment from being pulled up (toward the crotch part) and sliding up. Therefore, the garment is provided so as not to lose shape and to have a function of keeping the body into shape. Thus, the present embodiment is preferable.

[0148] (4) Still further, the garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the easily stretchable portion (A) has a center position in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part. With this embodiment, a longitudinal center line of the anterior side of the musculus rectus femoris that juts out widely is positioned slightly on the lateral side with respect to the longitudinal center line of the leg anterior portion of the garment. Therefore, the center position in the width direction of the easily stretchable portion (A) substantially coincides with the center position of the musculus rectus femoris in the width direction of the anterior side. Therefore, the function of preventing loss of shape is improved further. Thus, the present embodiment is preferable.

[0149] (5) Still further, the garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the garment further includes, in each leg part, an easily stretchable portion (A-1) that is arranged substantially in parallel with the easily stretchable portion (A), that has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, and that is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof. With this embodiment, the easily stretchable portion (A-1) absorbs such motions of the femoral region, changes in the muscle shapes, etc., that cannot be absorbed only by the easily stretchable portion (A)1 that covers a region over the musculus rectus femoris. Thus, the portion (A-1) enables the garment to follow motions of the femoral region more easily. Therefore, the function of preventing losing shape is improved further. Accordingly, the present embodiment is preferable.

[0150] (6) Still further, the garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the garment base is formed with an easily stretchable fabric, and a fabric is laminated on an exterior side and/or on an interior side of a portion of the easily stretchable fabric that is to be made less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion, so that the laminated portion constitutes the less stretchable portion, while the other portion constitutes the easily stretchable portion. With this embodiment, the garment of the present invention can be produced relatively easily without using a specific apparatus, since this embodiment is achieved simply by laminating an appropriate fabric on a portion to be less stretchable, and the garment obtained undergoes minimum deterioration of air permeability.

[0151] (7) Still further, the garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the easily stretchable portion is formed with an easily stretchable fabric, the less stretchable portion is formed with a fabric that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable fabric, and the easily stretchable fabric and the less stretchable fabric are seamed so as to form the garment. With this embodiment, an area in which fabrics are laminated decreases as compared with the embodiment of the foregoing item (6). Therefore, the garment with improved air permeability and improved appearance is provided. Thus, the present embodiment is preferable.

[0152] (8) Still further, the garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment so that the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are formed by knitting so that the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are knitted differently by varying knitting stitch. With this embodiment, the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion can be configured without lamination of fabrics. Therefore, level differences do not occur at boundaries between the portions, and recesses and protrusions due to such level differences are not produced when the garment is worn, whereby an improved appearance is provided. Furthermore, since there is no level difference, the garment provides good skin touch, and also provides improved air permeability, as compared with the case of lamination of fabrics, thereby providing excellent wearing feeling.

[0153] (9) Still further, the garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are formed by jacquard knitting so that the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are knitted differently into patterns by varying knitting stitch of the jacquard knitting. With this embodiment, the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion can be configured without lamination of fabrics. Therefore, level differences do not occur at boundaries between portions, and recesses and protrusions due to such level differences are not produced when the garment is worn, whereby an improved appearance is provided. Furthermore, since there is no level difference, the garment provides good skin touch, and also provides improved air permeability, as compared with the case of lamination of fabrics, thereby providing excellent wearing feeling. Particularly, by changing the knitting stitch by jacquard knitting so that the easily stretchable portions and the less stretchable portions are knitted differently into patterns with different knitting stitches, it is possible to produce garments with stable finished dimensions as compared with the garments formed by circular knitting, thereby facilitating the production of garments with the same finished dimensions in a large amount, as well as to avoid fraying such as so-called run, to achieve excellent durability, to increase the knitting density, and to achieve excellent productivity. Therefore, the foregoing method is particularly preferable. Particularly, by the method of changing the knitting stitch by jacquard knitting so that the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are knitted differently into patterns by varying the knitting stitch, the patterns are knitted desirably, which makes it possible to knit patterns in continuous-band-like curved shapes. Since it is thus possible to knit a certain portion with a desired knitting stitch, the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion of the present invention can be formed into desired patterns by changing the knitting stitch so as to knit the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion differently into patterns. Thus, the present embodiment is preferable.

[0154] (10) Still further, the garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the garment base is formed with an easily stretchable fabric, and a portion of the easily stretchable fabric that is to be made less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion is treated with a resin so that the resin-treated portion constitutes the less stretchable portion, while the other portion constitutes the easily stretchable portion. With this embodiment, only application of a resin to a portion to be less stretchable through resin treatment is required. Therefore, the garment of the present invention can be produced readily, and the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion can be formed without lamination of fabrics. As a result, level differences do not occur at boundaries between portions, and recesses and protrusions due to such level differences are not produced when the garment is worn. Thus, the present embodiment is preferable. The resin preferably is applied on a face of the garment base fabric, since this prevents the skin touch from deteriorating. On the other hand, from the viewpoints of appearance and design, the resin preferably is applied on a back of the garment base fabric.

[0155] (11) Still further, the garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the easily stretchable portion (A) has a width of approximately 3 cm to 8 cm. With this embodiment, the function of preventing losing shape is performed sufficiently, while there is no possibility of deterioration of the shaping function of keeping the human body in shape. Thus, the present embodiment is preferable.

[0156] (12) Still further, the garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention so that a sum of a width of the easily stretchable portion (A) and a width of the easily stretchable portion (A-1) is approximately 3 cm to 8 cm. With this embodiment, the function described in the item (5) above is performed sufficiently, while there is no possibility of deterioration of the shaping function of keeping the human body in shape. Thus, the present embodiment is preferable.

[0157] (13) Still further, the garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the easily stretchable portion (B) has a width of approximately 1 cm to 10 cm. With this embodiment, when the wearer raises the leg or bends the knee, a function of preventing the leg part of the garment from sliding up or preventing the fabric of the garment main body from sliding up and forming creases gathered in the vicinity of the sulcus inguinalis is performed sufficiently. Further, there is no possibility of deterioration of the shaping function of keeping the human body in shape. Thus, the present embodiment is preferable.

[0158] (14) Still further, the garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention so that in a posterior side of the garment, the easily stretchable portion (C) covers a region of the body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end of the musculus gluteus maximus. With this embodiment, the function described in the above-described item (3) is performed. Moreover, since the portion between the sulcus gluteus and the easily stretchable portion (C), which is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion, performs the hip-up support function, and performs the function of controlling the shape of the hips beautifully. Thus, the present embodiment is preferable.

[0159] (15) Furthermore, the garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention so that a fabric composing the garment is a knitted fabric selected from a two-way stretch tricot knitted fabric and a stretch raschel knitted fabric. By using these fabrics as materials for forming the easily stretchable portion of the garment of the present invention that is relatively easily stretchable and for forming the less stretchable portion that is suitable for performing the shaping function, it is possible to implement respective required functions for the foregoing portions readily by varying the knitting density, the stitch, the type and thickness of the fiber yarn, and the thickness or the insertion ratio of an elastic fiber yarn to be inserted or knitted in. Furthermore, the thickness of the fabric is not increased excessively, or rather is at substantially the same level as that of fabrics used for forming normal foundation garments. Therefore, this does not produce an uncomfortable feeling, and the garment of the present invention having the above-described functions can be provided readily. Thus, this embodiment is preferable.

[0160] (16) Still further, the garment is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the garment is a garment selected from a girdle, spats, athletic tights, and a pantyhose. These garments are worn tightly fitted in close contact with a human body, and tend to lose shape, and hence, the performance of the present invention of not losing shape and keeping the human body in shape is exhibited on the foregoing garments effectively. Thus, the present embodiment is preferable.

[0161] As described above, the present invention is useful as a garment, such as a girdle, spats, athletic tights, and pantyhose, that includes a crotch part and leg parts at least partially covering femoral regions and that is to be worn in a state of being fitted on a body of a wearer. 

1. A garment that includes a crotch part and leg parts covering at least parts of femoral regions, that is to be worn fitted on a body of a wearer, and that includes an easily stretchable portion that is stretched relatively easily, and a less stretchable portion that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion, wherein the easily stretchable portion comprises: an easily stretchable portion (A) that has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the garment, that covers a region along and in the vicinity of the musculus rectus femoris on an anterior side of each femoral region, and that is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof.
 2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the easily stretchable portion further comprises: an easily stretchable portion (B) that covers a region of the body along the sulcus inguinalis and is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment.
 3. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the easily stretchable portion further comprises: an easily stretchable portion (C) that, in a posterior side of the garment, covers a region of the body at least on a superior side to a certain position between the sulcus gluteus and a bulge of hip, and that is easily stretchable at least substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment.
 4. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the easily stretchable portion (A) has a center position in the width direction thereof that is positioned slightly on a lateral side with respect to a longitudinal center line of an anterior portion of the leg part.
 5. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each leg part further comprises: an easily stretchable portion (A-1) that is arranged substantially in parallel with the easily stretchable portion (A), that has a substantially band-like shape extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the garment, and that is easily stretchable at least substantially in a width direction thereof.
 6. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the garment is formed with: an easily stretchable fabric as a base of the garment; and another fabric laminated on an exterior side and/or an interior side of a portion of the easily stretchable fabric that is to be made less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion, wherein the laminated portion constitutes the less stretchable portion, while the other portion constitutes the easily stretchable portion.
 7. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the easily stretchable portion is formed with an easily stretchable fabric, the less stretchable portion is formed with a fabric that is less stretchable than the easily stretchable fabric, and the easily stretchable fabric and the less stretchable fabric are seamed so as to form the garment.
 8. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are formed by knitting so that the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are knitted differently by varying knitting stitch.
 9. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are formed by jacquard knitting so that the easily stretchable portion and the less stretchable portion are knitted differently into patterns by varying knitting stitch of the jacquard knitting.
 10. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the garment is formed with an easily stretchable fabric as a base of the garment having a portion treated with a resin, the portion being to be made less stretchable than the easily stretchable portion, wherein the resin-treated portion constitutes the less stretchable portion, while the other portion constitutes the easily stretchable portion.
 11. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the easily stretchable portion (A) has a width of approximately 3 cm to 8 cm.
 12. The garment according to claim 5, wherein a sum of a width of the easily stretchable portion (A) and a width of the easily stretchable portion (A-1) is approximately 3 cm to 8 cm.
 13. The garment according to claim 2, wherein the easily stretchable portion (B) has a width of approximately 1 cm to 10 cm.
 14. The garment according to claim 3, wherein, in a posterior side of the garment, the easily stretchable portion (C) covers a region of the body ranging from a slightly superior side of the sulcus gluteus to around the vicinity of an upper end of the musculus gluteus maximus.
 15. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a fabric composing the garment is a knitted fabric selected from a two-way stretch tricot knitted fabric and a stretch raschel knitted fabric.
 16. The garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the garment is a garment selected from a girdle, spats, athletic tights, and pantyhose. 